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The University of Southampton
Institute of Maritime Law

The Establishment of the "IML Gard Fund"

Published: 1 November 2021
Professor Mark E. Smith, Tim Howse
Professor Mark E. Smith, Tim Howse & Dr Alexandros Ntovas

The Institute of Maritime Law and Gard are pleased to announce the establishment of the "IML Gard Fund", which was launched on 20 October in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton Professor Mark E. Smith, Mr Tim Howse, Vice President Industry Liaison, Gard, and Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas, Director of the Institute of Maritime Law.

On the wonderful occasion of establishing the "IML Gard Fund", Professor Mark E. Smith expressed his thanks for Gard’s generous financial pledge over the next four academic years to support the Institute of Maritime Law and enhance the activities of the University of Southampton relating to the maritime domain in the light of the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Maritime Coastguard Authority, and along the work of the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute, and Lloyd’s Register based in the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, as well as the National Oceanography Centre at the Waterfront Campus.

Mr Rolf Thore Roppestad, CEO of Gard, commented that “One of Gard’s founding principles is knowledge and expertise and a partnership such as this one speaks clearly about the importance of those attributes in solving both today’s risks and tomorrow’s challenges. Sustainable maritime development is a core focus for Gard and, as a leading marine insurance group, we have an important responsibility, as well as an opportunity, to use our leverage to support the transition to a more sustainable maritime industry. We look forward to working closely with the University and the IML to do just that.”

Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas, Director of the Institute of Maritime Law, recounted that “This unique partnership, is the successful outcome of more than a year’s hard work in envisioning and carefully crafting with Mr Tim Howse, Vice President Industry Liaison, Gard, an organic framework between academia and the industry that we expect to grow further and contribute into sustainable maritime development. The "IML Gard Fund" will support activities central to the mission and strategic aims of the Institute of Maritime Law, including funding workshops, high-profile international conferences, distinguished lectures and public events that increase our global engagement, and activity in pursuit of its specialist teaching, research and enterprise, in which areas the Institute has established an excellent international reputation boasting a continuing tradition of 40 years to be celebrated in 2022.”

Further information on Gard 

Further information on the Institute of Maritime Law 

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